Tips for Alleviating Arthritis Pain

 Living with arthritis can be frustrating and painful. When your joints are stiff and achy, it can make it more difficult to do everyday activities and live comfortably. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are steps that seniors can take to reduce pain. What works well for one person may not be as effective for the next, so it can be beneficial to try different approaches and see what works best for your individual situation.

May is Arthritis Awareness Month, so here are few strategies that you can try to alleviate pain:

Engage in regular exercise: It was once thought that exercise could make arthritis pain worse, but more recent studies have found that daily exercise can actually provide some relief. It is important that seniors are staying away from high-impact activities and focusing more on low-impact options. This could include swimming, biking, walking, yoga, and other aerobic activities. These exercises gently stretch muscles and joints and can enhance range of motion while alleviating pain.

Control weight: It is important for seniors to maintain a healthy weight. Even just a few extra pounds can put added stress on their joints and exacerbate the effects of arthritis. Eating a healthy diet and exercising can help them to keep their weight in check. For those who are overweight, losing a few pounds can make a difference in the way they feel and provide some relief from arthritis pain. Seniors should check with their doctor to determine what weight is right for them and how to more effectively manage it.

Apply heat or cold: A heating pad or warm bath can soothe sore muscles and joints. It can also be a great way to relax and unwind. Make sure not to leave the heating pad in place for more than 20 minutes at a time to reduce the risk of burns. Another option is to apply an ice pack to sore spots to help reduce inflammation and temporarily ease pain. Try both and see which is more effective for your needs.

Use topical ointments: There are many topical creams and gels that can temporarily relieve pain. They often contain capsaicin and can be applied directly to areas where there is arthritis. They are absorbed through the skin and start working fairly quickly.

Take anti-inflammatory medication: There are both over-the-counter and prescription strength anti-inflammatory medications that can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. This can make moving and working less painful and allow you to carry on with daily activities.

Get a massage: Massage therapy can also ease pain. Let the therapist know where your arthritis is and what is bothering you. They can manually manipulate muscles to provide relief and target areas where you have the most pain. This can also help to relax stiff joints.

Seniors may find that a combination of treatments works well for dealing with arthritis pain. Keeping pain better managed can allow them to get more enjoyment out of their day. If arthritis is limiting, assistance from an in-home care provider can make taking care of their Asheville home and themselves a little easier. Find out how Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville can support your senior with daily tasks and promote independence by calling (828) 989-7263 or visiting us online to arrange for your free consultation. Don’t let arthritis stand in your senior’s way.